Colocutaneous Fistula after Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) Tube Insertion

Abstract

Case Presentation: A 48-year-old-female presented to the emergency department with dislodgement of her percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, necessitating bedside replacement. Replacement was done without difficulty and gastrografin radiography was obtained to confirm positioning. Radiography revealed contrast filling the colon at the splenic flexure and proximal descending colon suggestive of colocutaneous fistula formation. Discussion: The patient required hospitalization with surgical consultation, initiation of parenteral nutrition, and conservative management of the fistula with surgical replacement of the PEG tube. Although rare, it is paramount for the emergency physician to be aware of this complication when undertaking bedside replacement of PEG tubes.